Pioneers Fell Just Short of a Stunning Victory in Bulgaria
The Bulgarians had a fortunate finish in the fifth set, Photo: odbojka.me
The Montenegrin women’s volleyball team fought hard but fell to the host team, Bulgaria, with a final score of 3:2 (25:23, 21:25, 25:22, 22:25, 15:13) during the second round of qualifications for the European Championship held in Sofia.
This thrilling match saw the Montenegrin squad display their tenacity. In the first set, despite leading 19:17 at one point, they eventually lost momentum. With the score tied at 22:22, Bulgaria leveraged their home advantage and took the set 25:23.
The second set showcased a more assertive Montenegrin side, who established a significant lead early on, reaching 13:7. Despite attempts from the home team to catch up, Nađa Peković and her teammates held firm and won the set 25:21, leveling the match at 1:1.
The ensuing sets were fiercely contested. Montenegrin coach Petar Koković’s team initially held leads of 11:8 and 15:11. However, Bulgaria rallied, overturning the score to lead 19:17. In a nail-biting conclusion, Bulgaria clinched the third set 25:22, regaining the lead in the overall match.
In the fourth set, our team took charge early, racing to a 4:0 start and extending their lead to five points at 18:13. With confidence on their side, the pioneers pushed the match to a decisive fifth set with a 25:22 win.
The final set was a dramatic showdown. Bulgaria jumped ahead 6:3, but Montenegro fought back to tie it at 11:11. Even when Bulgaria went up 13:11, Montenegro narrowed the gap to 13:12. After an intense struggle, Bulgaria ultimately triumphed 15:13, concluding the match at 3:2.
Klara Đukić stood out as the match’s top player with 20 points, followed by Jana Mrdak with 13 and Elena Jovanović with 11 points. For Bulgaria, Darina Ivanova was the highest scorer with 18 points.
On the third day of the tournament, the Montenegrin team is set to face the Romanian pioneers at 14:00.
BULGARIA – MONTENEGRO 3:2 (25:23, 21:25, 25:22, 22:25, 15:13)
Sofia – “Hristo Botev” Sports Hall.
Bulgaria: Čomakova 7, Bogdanova (libero), Atanasova, Dimitrova 4, Georgieva, Nenčeva 7, Pekova 15, Ivanova 18, Čokoeva, Garova 10, Slavova 8, Harizanova, Topalova 5, Nalbantova (libero).
Montenegro: Rajović (libero), Moračanin (libero), Jovović 1, Krasnići, Duletić 9, Mrdak 13, Ćorović, Đukić 20, Peković 7, Podjanin, Striković, Glušac 2, Jovanović 11, Misevic.
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